Speaking on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s decision to stop receiving official communication from the party—pending the outcome of a case at the Federal High Court—has put ADC in a difficult position.
According to him, the situation appears to be setting the party up for disqualification.
The ADC insists there is clear evidence that INEC had already recognised its current leadership. The party pointed out that the Commission was officially notified of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and even sent officials to monitor the process.
Following that meeting, INEC reportedly updated its records to reflect new leadership, including David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The party also referenced INEC’s own sworn affidavit in court, which, according to them, acknowledged the leadership change and stated that such internal party matters are beyond judicial interference once completed.
However, ADC says the Commission’s latest move contradicts all of that.
INEC has now said it will not accept any correspondence from the party until the court delivers judgment on the ongoing leadership dispute. ADC argues that this decision could make it impossible to meet key legal deadlines required by the Electoral Act.
With INEC setting May 10 as the deadline for submissions, the party fears it could be blocked from participating in the elections if the court ruling doesn’t come before then.
In simple terms, ADC believes it is being forced into a situation where it cannot comply with the law—something that could later be used as a reason to disqualify it.
The party also accused INEC of contradicting itself, noting that the same Commission that monitored and recognised its leadership is now taking a completely different stance.
ADC is now calling on INEC to reverse its decision and allow the party to continue its activities without obstruction, stressing the need for fairness in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, INEC had earlier explained that its April 1 decision—including removing key ADC figures like Mark and Aregbesola from its records—was based on a court order to maintain the status quo until the case is resolved.
The leadership crisis within ADC has been ongoing since 2025, following disputes over who should take control after former chairman Ralph Nwosu left office. While some backed the new leadership, others, including Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenged the process, leading to multiple court cases.
Despite the controversy, David Mark has maintained that party activities will continue, describing INEC’s actions as unlawful.
